By Nissan Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Nissan LEAF made its Canadian debut in Vancouver today as part of the Nissan LEAF Zero Emission tour. Along with Nissan Canada executives, representatives from the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and BC Hydro were also present to commemorate the occasion. In October, the organizations signed a partnership that will see British Columbia become the initial Canadian launch point for the Nissan LEAF in 2011.

“We are excited that the all-electric Nissan LEAF will make its Canadian debut on British Columbia roads,” said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Province of British Columbia. “B.C.’s leadership in low-carbon transportation solutions like this, fuelled by clean and renewable electricity, will help us to meet our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.”

“Many people have misconceptions about electric vehicles, but the LEAF is proof that electric mobility can be reliable, well-engineered, attractive and fun to drive,” said Mark Grimm, President of Nissan Canada Inc. “We’re pleased to share the Canadian debut of LEAF with our partners who are as committed as we are to making zero-emission mobility the best solution to make a real impact on our environment.”

The LEAF seats five adults in stylish comfort and can travel a distance of 160 kilometres* on a single charge. It provides environmentally conscious drivers with a zero-emission option for real environmental impact, and at the same time an uncompromising driving experience.

“We look forward to Nissan LEAF electric vehicles arriving in Vancouver as soon as possible, to help move us closer to our goal of becoming the world’s greenest city by 2020,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We’re moving quickly on our electric vehicle plug-in requirements and will be ready when electric vehicles like the LEAF hit the streets of Vancouver. As energy prices rebound, we know that there is going to be increasing demand for EV technology, and we’re proud to be partnering with Nissan to debut the LEAF.” Councillor George Chow represented the City of Vancouver at the event while Mayor Robertson attends the Copenhagen Climate Summit for Mayors.

“We are very happy to have the Nissan LEAF in British Columbia and look forward to adding the car to our fleet in 2011,” said Bob Elton, BC Hydro president and CEO. “We are working to create a conservation culture in B.C. and realize that it cannot be exclusive to electricity conservation. The LEAF will provide an environmentally-friendly transportation alternative and serve as a symbol of conservation.”